Training methods and apparatus for golf putting

ABSTRACT

A putting training system includes a laser light source attached to the shaft of the putter, a level which is attached to the head of the putter, a putting mat, and putting grips. The laser is utilized to assist in the golfer in the aiming and alignment of the putter face by means of a projection of the laser light forward of the putter face, while the level is utilized to assist the golfer in the proper leveling of the putter head. The mat is utilized to provide guidance to the golfer for putter backswing to generate proper putter striking distance.

BACKGROUND

The disclosure relates to the method and apparatus for a golfer to utilize in training or practicing a consistent putting stroke. More specifically, the disclosure relates to a device with a light beam projected therefrom to create a visible intended target pathway for the stroked golf ball in order to aid the golfer's alignment, proper putter head positioning, and strike distance from backswing to the target golf ball required to optimal putting accuracy.

Golf is a game that rewards consistency and practice. As a result, the typical golfer is constantly searching for techniques, methods, and, preferably, an overall process to help improve and perfect the desired golf swing or stroke. This process is intended to assist golfers develop and perfect the desired putting swing and stroke.

The physics of golf are rather simple. Ignoring extrinsic factors such as wind, the pathway of the golf ball, and hence the distance and accuracy of the putt, is primarily determined by three factors, including alignment of the putter face at impact, the direction of movement of the putter head at impact, and the speed of the putter at impact. Therefore, when putting it is desirable to accurately control the alignment of the putter club face and direction of movement of the putter club face at the point of impact. As putting is normally used on each golf hole played by the golfer, it is particularly desirable to control these factors in a consistent manner.

There are a variety of devices which have been developed to assist the golfer in aligning the golf head. One category of such devices includes those with a laser light utilized to help with alignment of the putter club face by means of a projected light beams that serves as a guide for the golfer. The devices indicate the direction in which the club face is pointed. One drawback of some of these devices is the requirement that the golfer cannot use the golfer's own personal putter without modification. These devices either require a specialized, custom putter incorporating the device or require a modification or attachment to the golfer's own putter. Such devices do not accommodate the golfer's desire to practice with their own putter in an unmodified fashion. Golf clubs, and particularly putters, come in a variety of lengths, weights, and distributions of weight along the golf club. Further, the shape of the club head provides an aesthetic appearance which may instill confidence in the golfer. All of these factors cause a golfer to become comfortable with their own putter and less likely to use or feel comfortable with a specialized, custom putter or even with their own putter if modified to change the appearance, shape, and/or weight distribution.

In summary, none of conventional devices provides the desired training environment. Either the devices are inconvenient and cumbersome or do not provide the desired indications. Accordingly, there is a continued need in the art for improved putting training systems.

SUMMARY

A training device is provided for a golfer to utilize in practicing a putting stroke of a putter in order to attempt to accurately hit a golf ball towards the target hole. The device includes a shaft mounted removable laser, a level, a putting mat, and a putting grip with vertical alignment markings. The laser generates a visible beam of light forward of the putter club face toward the target hole. In this manner the golfer can appreciate the alignment of the golfer's body and the golf club relative to the remote target by viewing the visible beam of light. The visible beam of light of the device forms a target spot on the ground.

A training method is also provided for a golfer to practice the putting stroke in order to attempt to accurately hit a golf ball toward a remote target. The method includes utilizing a mat that signifies the appropriate backstroke of the putter required for varying putting lengths.

Other features and advantages of the embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art from a consideration of the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B are perspective views illustrating an training system including an alignment device mounted to a golf putter;

FIGS. 2A and 2B are perspective views of a golfer utilizing the training system;

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of an alignment device;

FIG. 4 is a bottom side perspective view of the alignment device;

FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of the alignment device;

FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of the alignment device;

FIG. 7 is a top side perspective view of the alignment device;

FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a laser projector;

FIG. 9 illustrates examples of grips with indicia to be used with the alignment device;

FIG. 10 illustrates a practice mat to be used with the alignment device.

FIG. 11 illustrates a level to be used with the alignment device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring particularly to FIGS. 1A and 1B, a training system 100 for golf putting includes an alignment device 102 attached to a golf putter 104. The alignment device 102 includes a grip coupler 106 that is configured to releasably attach the alignment device 102 at or near a grip 108 of the putter 104 and a spatially adjustable laser projector 110.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 1A, the laser projector 110 is adjusted to focus a beam 112 on a head 114 of the putter 104. And as shown in FIG. 1B, the laser projector 110 is adjusted to focus the beam 112 at a location forward of the head 114 of the putter 104. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 2A, the laser projector 110 is adjusted to focus the beam 112 forward of a ball 116 when a golfer is addressing the ball. As shown in FIG. 2B with the putter 104 moved rearward to a position ready to stroke, the golfer positions the putter 104 so that the laser projector 110 is focused on the ball 116.

A number of embodiments of the alignment device 102 is shown in FIGS. 3 to 7. As shown, the alignment device 102 includes an adjustable seat 118 for receiving the laser projector 110. The seat 118 includes a pivot 120 disposed on the grip coupler 106 such that the seat 118 is pivotal relative thereto.

The grip coupler 106 includes a base 122 and a spring-biased arm 124 configured to fit about the grip 108 of the putter 104. When attached to the putter 104, the base 122 is positioned on the front of the putter to be visible to the golfer. The base 122 may include alignment notches 126 for assisting the golfer in properly positioning or aligning the device 102 on the putter 104; for example, the grip 108 may also include indicia (not shown) to align with the notches 126.

The base 122 may include an orthogonally disposed bracket 128 to which the pivot 120 may be attached. In addition, the grip coupler 106 may include a seat 130 disposed on the back side of the base 122 in which the grip 108 of the putter 104 is received. Further, the arm 124 may include a handle 132 to assist in pivot the arm 124.

Referring to FIG. 8, an example of the laser projector 110 is shown. As shown, the laser projector 110 may be a battery-powered commercially available model that is configured to be received within the seat 118. For example, the seat 118 may be configured to releasably receive the laser projector 110. A number of examples of the grips 108 are shown in FIG. 9 with the grips 108 including indicia 134 to assist in aligning the device 102 on the putter 104.

An embodiment of a practice mat 136 is shown in FIG. 10. The mat 136 may include any number of markings 138 configured to assist the golfer in practicing putting with the alignment device 102. An embodiment of a level 140 is shown in FIG. 11. The level placement on putter head as shown 142 is utilized to assist in installation of the grips by utilizing the indicia 134. The level placement 142 for assisting the golfer in properly positioning their body

Exemplary Practice Method

A practice method to create a true pendulum putt with accuracy involves a custom set of putting grips that fit the hands of the golfer. These grips are designed with three lines one in front and one on each side of putter grip. These lines are utilized for three purposes.

-   -   1. The installer can use these lines with the laser tool to         ensure that the proper sized grip is installed to within 100%         accuracy.     -   2. The lines are also utilized to help the golfer by placing his         hands accurately on the grip; this ensures that the golfer is         consistent in his grip.     -   3. The lines are also used by the golfer for visual alignment of         the putter.

As the grips are designed in different sizes this allows different size hands to come together at the side lines as if you are praying, the size of the grip allows your life line to wrap around the side of the grip, and brings your thumb to the center line on the putter. The back of the leading hand is the target line that you want to hit the put on. The trailing hand is aimed in the same direction and becomes the speed hand.

In order to achieve a true pendulum putt the golfer must be aligned correctly. This is where the level and mat are utilized. The level is placed on the putter head; we prefer that you utilized a balance putter since this will take half the work out. Place the putter on the intended line to put. The practice mat has multiple lines on it; this is to align your feet and shoulders. Let the level balance with the putter on the ground. This step is very important.

Tear two score cards in half the first set of score cards tuck in to your armpits. Relax just don't let them drop. This will lock your upper arms to your shoulder, take the second set of score cards and place then between your elbows and rib cage.

Now step on to the mat and approach the putter which is level to the ground. You can bend at the waist we actually prefer this. Now place your hands on the grip as if you are going to do a prayer, do not reach out either step forward or bend at the waist further. Make sure your life lines wrap around and your hands are centered with the corresponding lines on the grip. Now relax your elbows and let those cards drop, but do not let the cards drop at your armpits.

At this point put the mark where that ball is at the center of your stance and spread your feet apart at least shoulder width. Form a triangle that locks in from your shoulders to the putter. Practice just swinging back and forth with the level only utilizing your shoulders, forward shoulder dips as back shoulder lifts. No hands or wrists or arms body and head are utilized to perform this motion. In fact once you get the level to stay centered while practicing this stroke take your eyes of look at your feet are they aligned are your shoulders aligned to your feet. If your lower body is moving try the old Arnie trick, of bowing your knees in a little this will help stabilize you. Ensure that your wrists and arms are not breaking down and the back of your leading hand is pointing down the target line.

Now, the trick once you have achieved this motion try and keep the end of the grip at your belly button, since USGA outlawed any kind of anchoring. This trick will anchor your putter in one spot without touching your body.

Perform one last check stop your putter back on and at the center where you would start your swing level and drop a ball from your dominant eye, it should land at center of putter, if not the readjust your stance and repeat steps above.

After accomplishing and mastering the putt. Remove the level and attach the laser.

The laser was utilized by the pro to ensure your grip was aligned properly. Clip on the laser ensure the top is facing up towards you. Inset the laser from the bottom it will automatically turn on when you have inserted far enough, continue pushing and the laser will lock and center itself.

There is an adjustment on the laser for the length of the putt the screw will allow the laser to extend the beam closer or further away from the putter face. Before you use the laser test the alignment by compressing the tube the laser is on, this will bring the dot back to your putter ensure that it is pointing dead center. If not adjust the grip on the laser. Release the cylinder and it will automatically return to its previous position, it should be pointing on your intended line.

Now you have already practiced your pendulum stroke repeat the process, pick your line have the laser pointing at your intended line, which may only be 4 to 6″ in front of the ball. Ensure that your grip is correct; ensure that your stance is square to the intended line ensuring that your shoulders are lined up to your feet. Remember no hands arm wrist or head only shoulders rock your dominant eye stays on the ball even after you have hit it, the mat has a built in visual spot to help you build muscle memory in order to keep your eyes and head still. However we prefer you hear your ball drop instead of seeing it, if you don't stay (down) Head locked you will miss your intended line.

Now gently rock the laser beam back to the ball and accelerate slightly through impact. Remember your leading hand is locked and is aiming at the mark you intend to start the putt on. The beam should come back in a straight line back to your ball and back to the line it started from. From this point keep front hands locked and aiming at intended target; accelerate smoothly with your trailing hand.

If the putts are not dropping check everything again is your body moving, are your arms and wrists locked. Is the butt end of your putter grips staying centered at your belly button? If all of the above is correct then check for speed this is the most critical part your ball has to at least reach the hole to have a chance however you do not want to go 5′ past the hole. Pro tip: when you are less than 2′ away aim dead straight and give enough speed to take break out. Pro tip when you get good enough raise your putter slightly off the ground to ensure you don't accidently bottom out.

Those skilled in the art will understand that the preceding embodiments of the present invention provide the foundation for numerous alternatives and modifications thereto. These other modifications are also within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to that precisely as shown and described in the present invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An alignment device for a golf putter, the device comprising: a grip coupler configured to be releasably attachable to the putter; and a spatially adjustable laser projector configured to focus a beam at least in front of a head of the putter.
 2. The device of claim 1 further comprising an adjustable seat for receiving the laser projector.
 3. The device of claim 2 wherein the seat includes a pivot disposed on the grip coupler such that the seat is pivotal relative thereto.
 4. The device of claim 1 wherein the grip coupler includes a base and a spring-biased arm configured to fit about a grip of the putter.
 5. The device of claim 4 wherein the base include alignment notches for assisting the positioning the device on the putter.
 6. The device of claim 4 wherein the base include notches for assisting the positioning the grip on the putter.
 7. The device of claim 9 wherein the indicia lines assist the alignment of the hands griping the putter for the putting stroke.
 8. The device of claim 10 wherein the mat lines and markings assisting the proper positioning of the body for the putting stroke.
 9. The device of claim 10 wherein the mat lines and markings assisting the proper alignment of the body for the putting stroke.
 10. The device of claim 10 wherein the mat lines and markings assisting the proper speed for the putting stroke.
 11. The device of claim 11 wherein the level for assisting the positioning of the putter.
 12. The device of claim 11 wherein the level for assisting the proper alignment of the body for the putting stroke. 